I'm getting better...

[nightowl1]

Over the past 3 years I have become a great shooter, then a horrible shot (thanks target panic), now a decent shot. I was excited when the season started this year and I had a feeling this would be the year for me to take my first big game animal. So far a squirrel, jack rabbit, rattle snake, frog and gator gar have fallen to my dangerously silent weapon.

Before the season I found some scraps around the ranch and made a very comfortable deer stand. Last year my ability to read game and stalk them was very, well novice. I could get within 40 yards of any deer I saw, and even 30 on some but could not close in that distance needed to comfortably send my winged spear flying. So I thought this would allow me to final get the opportunity. If I can't out smart them while in the field, I'll do it before.

Yesterday evening after church I decided to do a quick walk behind the house. We are blessed to have a rather large lot of land and a very healthy deer population in it. I spotted what I thought to be 4 to 5 does grazing, 100 yards off  into the wind and the stalk was on. One hour later I was within 40 yards they had no idea, but I had no idea that there wasn't 4 to 5 deer but 10 to 12...

[Altiman94]

There is nothing like shooting a deer on your own property.  Keep at it and eventually you will get one.

[nightowl1]

The soft cold rain muffled my steps but could did very little to hide me from the 20 or so cautious eyes. I moved so slow each step was a balancing act but grandma doe spotted me and launched into the air waving goodbye. Apparently she was unsure about the situation she ran straight in front of me about 40 yards out and circling. I froze, waiting for the rest to follow. Knowing that my wife was ready with supper this would be it for the evening. Then two of those 5-7 deer I did not know existed stopped in front of me, one 3x3 and a forky.

I couldn't believe it 20 yards and he had no idea i was there. A small cedar about waist high grew between us. I simple had to draw, raise and watch.  I drew...

[jhp0529]

well?

[nightowl1]

hit my anchor and ... they all slowly trotted off. I let down my string with a big grin on my face. That was the first time I have tightened a string on a deer. They never saw me but they new that something in the air wasn't quite right, with plenty of acorns to chew on all over our ranch they happily skipped to another day. I'm getting better.